Buck or Doe?

One of the most frequently asked questions by beginners getting their first rabbit is whether a buck or a doe makes a better pet. Everybody has a different opinion on the subject, so I thought I'd add in my two cents.

First of all, every rabbit is different. There are always bucks or does who break the stereotypical norms for temperament etc.. Also, a HUGE element of the rabbit's personality is how well and frequently they are handled. The sweetest possible rabbit can be ruined by improper handling. Another element is genetics. Some lines tend to pass on good or bad or in-betweeny temperaments. But for the most part, how the rabbit was raised is the deciding factor in temperament.

In my herd, my bucks tend to be more extroverted. They are playful, lovable goofballs. Imagine the wackiest Golden Retriever puppy you've ever met. That's Holland Lop bucks for you. Some are more calm or hyper than others. But in general, bucks are weird, funny, friendly dorks. However, some bucks can be difficult to handle as they do like to explore their environment and visit the ladies. Some bucks spray urine, smell worse, or be a bit harder to litter-train than does. At sexual maturity, most bucks do not become difficult to handle, just more hyper.

Does tend to be more introverted. They tend to be more calm and tolerant of handling. They tend to be very patient. Of course, every rabbit is different, but they seem a lot more mature than bucks. Sort of like the difference between 15 year old boys and 15 year old girls. One thing to keep in mind is that some does go through a nippy phase any time between approximately 3-8 months old, when they reach sexual maturity and want to breed. This can make them a bit territorial of their cage. Don't take it personally, they'll probably grow out of it, you just have to be confident handling them when they're feeling hormonal. Don't act like they scare you, or it'll encourage them to get bossier. Some does' teenage phase only lasts a few weeks, for others it can be several months. It totally depends on the rabbit, and how well you're handling it.

Like I've said about 4 billion times already, lol, every rabbit is different. This just tends to be the norm. :)

Do you prefer bucks or does? Why? Tell us below in the comments section!